Globe and Heat Lamp Seasons Model

A globe, heat lamp, and infrared thermometer are used to demonstrate how the tilt of the Earth’s axis causes the seasons. Students measure and compare temperature changes in different hemispheres to model seasonal variation.

1. Record the latitude and longitude of your location and mark it on a globe with a small square of black cardboard.
2. Place another black cardboard square at the same longitude in the opposite hemisphere (only works for places not on the equator).
3. Measure and record the initial temperature of both locations using an infrared thermometer.
4. Position a heat lamp about 20 cm from the globe so that your location faces directly toward the lamp.
5. Switch on the lamp and leave for 15 minutes.
6. Record the final temperature at both locations.
7. Discuss which season is being represented by the observed heating differences.
8. Modify the model by rotating the globe to simulate opposite seasons and repeat the measurements.

Classroom Demonstrations: The Seasons demo 2 - Institute of Physics:

📄 Modelling the Seasons - QGC: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/-/media/project/qm/qm-website/learn-and-discover/learning-resources-platform/pdfs/m/qm072-modelling-the-seasons-20210315.pdf?rev=d83811d4bc354cd687084272e27a29cd

• Use a globe covered with thermochromatic plastic to visually show temperature changes.
• Place thermochromatic plastic sheets on the globe’s surface at different locations to give a clear color-change representation of warming.
• Try with different light sources such as incandescent, halogen, or heat lamps to compare results.
• Extend the model to include measurements at the poles to explain polar day and night.

• Do not touch the heat lamp during or after use; it becomes very hot.
• Do not leave the lamp unattended while switched on.
• Handle the infrared thermometer with care and use it only as directed.

• Why does the tilt of the Earth’s axis cause seasons? (Because different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.)
• Why are seasons opposite in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres? (When one hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, the other tilts away.)
• Why are the poles cold all year long? (The Sun’s rays strike at a very low angle, spreading energy over a larger area.)
• Why is the equator warm all year long? (The Sun’s rays strike more directly, concentrating energy in a smaller area.)
• Based on the model, why does the South Pole experience polar night during winter? (Because it is tilted completely away from the Sun, leaving it in darkness for extended periods.)